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project (with CREATE and VACCA) has resulted in opportunities for
leadership in relation to human rights in the sector. We were invited to
present at and participate in a panel at a VCOSS convened forum on
human rights and have subsequently been asked to provide support to
other organisations relating to their human rights practice. Governance
policy, procedure and practice resources will be launched in early 2011.
Switch On
The redevelopment of the Living Independently Manual, originally
published in 2004, was completed in late 2010 under the new name of
‘Switch On: do it FOR YOUrself’. We hope the new Minister for Youth
Affairs, Ryan Smith, will be available to launch the Switch On resources.
2.2.6 Heritage and Background Information Service (HBIS)
2.3
The HBIS supports past clients, or their families, to appropriately access
records and information held by Berry Street. Approximately 100
enquiries were dealt with, with 25% from care leavers.
As part of our commitment to improve support for young people leaving
care, we are looking at how we provide access to their records, rather
than wait for requests.
Client registers of all past clients have been digitised.
A Heritage Grant was secured for an independent assessment of our nonclient related historical records, archive and heritage materials.
Strengthening our Capacity to Work with Aboriginal Children,
Families and Communities
Our Aboriginal Service Plan was formally launched in December 2009 by the Chief
Executive Officer, Muriel Bamblett, of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
(VACCA) at our annual End of Year Celebration. Muriel, in her remarks, highlighted
two challenges for non-Indigenous child welfare organisations: embracing
Aboriginal children, families, culture and ways of doing things within their services
and programs, whilst proactively supporting the development of Aboriginal specific
child welfare agencies, programs and interventions.
Our Aboriginal Services Plan:
Outlines our specific commitments to work in respectful partnerships with
Aboriginal organisations
Delivers culturally competent and responsive services for Aboriginal children
and families
Requires that all staff, no matter their role, participates in training to build
their cultural competence
Each of our regional service delivery groups develops and implements a three
year action plan consistent with the overarching plan and priorities for
Aboriginal communities in their region
Oversight of the Plan rests with the Director Public Policy and Practice
Development, with its ongoing development supported through the Walking
Together Group.
The Walking Together group met six times during the course of the year and has:
Guided the review and update of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultural understanding training for all staff.
Provided a forum for Aboriginal staff within Berry Street to develop internal
networks of support.